Regis (RGS) reshapes leadership, appointing Lintonsmith CEO and new chair

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Regis Corporation announced a leadership realignment, appointing director and former board chair Susan Lintonsmith as President and Chief Executive Officer, with Interim CEO Jim Lain transitioning to Chief Operating Officer. The company also named Nancy Benacci as Chair of the Board and appointed Andrew Alfano as an independent director.

Under her CEO agreement, Lintonsmith will receive a base salary of $650,000 and an annual target bonus equal to 125% of base salary, plus time-vested restricted stock units valued at $291,000 and eligibility for $1,000,000 in annual long-term incentive awards starting in fiscal 2027. Lain’s COO agreement provides a $470,000 base salary and a potential $500,000 continued service bonus if he remains employed through March 16, 2027, with partial payment upon certain earlier terminations. As of December 31, 2025, Regis franchised or owned 3,829 locations across its salon brands.

Insights

Corporate governance analyst

Regis executes an orderly leadership transition with incentivized long-term contracts.

Regis Corporation is consolidating leadership by elevating an experienced director, Susan Lintonsmith, to CEO while retaining operational continuity through Jim Lain as COO. The board also strengthens oversight with a new independent director, Andrew Alfano, and a new chair, Nancy Benacci.

The compensation structures emphasize performance and retention. Lintonsmith’s package combines a $650,000 base salary, a 125% target bonus, and meaningful equity, including a $1,000,000 long-term incentive starting in fiscal 2027. Lain’s $500,000 continued service bonus through March 16, 2027 supports stability in operations.

These moves align leadership incentives with multi-year value creation, particularly through equity-based awards and retirement or termination provisions that encourage orderly succession planning. Future disclosures in regular filings will show how this new team executes against Regis’ transformation and growth strategy.

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 13, 2026

REGIS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Minnesota

1-12725

41-0749934

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

(Commission File Number)

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

3701 Wayzata Boulevard

Minneapolis, MN 55416

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code) 

(952) 947-7777

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) 

(Not applicable)

(Former name or former address, if changed from last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading symbol

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.05 par value

RGS

The Nasdaq Global Market

Rights to Purchase Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, $0.05 par value

RGS

The Nasdaq Global Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company  ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

Regis Corporation

Current Report on Form 8-K

ITEM 5.02 DEPARTURE OF DIRECTORS OR CERTAIN OFFICERS; ELECTION OF DIRECTORS; APPOINTMENT OF CERTAIN OFFICERS; COMPENSATORY ARRANGEMENTS OF CERTAIN OFFICERS.

Appointment of Susan Lintonsmith as President and Chief Executive Officer

On March 16, 2026, Regis Corporation (the “Company”) announced the appointment of Susan Lintonsmith, a member of the Company’s Board, as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective the same day. Jim Lain, who was serving as the Company’s Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, will transition to the position of Chief Operating Officer.

Ms. Lintonsmith, age 61, has served as a director of the Company since January 2025. She served as Chief Operations Officer of Sphinx Franchise Holdings, a European Wax Center franchise, from 2022 to March 2026. Previously, she served as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Operating Officer of Elements Massage (part of the WellBiz Brands), a massage therapy company, from 2019 to 2020. Prior to Elements Massage, she served in positions of increasing responsibility at QCE LLC (Quiznos), including as Global Chief Marketing Officer from 2011 to 2016, U.S. Chief Operations Officer from 2014 to 2016, and Chief Executive Officer & President from 2016 to 2018. Prior to Quiznos, she served as Chief Marketing Officer of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. from 2007 to 2011 and Vice-President, General Manager of Horizon Organic Dairy, WhiteWave Foods (Dean Foods) from 2005 to 2007. Earlier in her career, she held various marketing positions of increasing responsibility at Pizza Hut Inc., The Coca-Cola Company, and Western Union. She also has served on the board of directors of The One Group (Nasdaq: STKS) since 2021.

Upon approval of the Compensation Committee of the Board, the Company entered into a President and CEO Offer Letter Agreement (the “CEO Agreement”) with Ms. Lintonsmith, pursuant to which she will become President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, subject to the terms of the agreement. Pursuant to the CEO Agreement, Ms. Lintonsmith will receive a base salary of $650,000 per year and an annual target bonus of 125% of her base salary, which will be prorated for fiscal 2026 as set forth in the CEO Agreement. In connection with her appointment, she will also receive restricted stock units with a value of $291,000 which vest at the rate of one-third of the total grant amount on each annual anniversary of the grant date. Commencing with fiscal 2027, she will also be eligible to receive annual long-term incentive awards, including in fiscal 2027, an annual long-term incentive award with a value of $1,000,000. The equity awards granted to Ms. Lintonsmith during the first three years of her employment will provide for prorated vesting upon retirement, defined as retirement after age 64, so long as she commences discussions about her retirement at least six months in advance, and upon a termination of her employment without cause. Ms. Lintonsmith will be covered by the Company’s Amended and Restated Senior Executive Severance Policy and other executive level benefit programs. The CEO Agreement is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto.

Upon approval of the Compensation Committee of the Board, the Company also entered into a Letter Agreement for Chief Operating Officer (the “COO Agreement”) with Mr. Lain, pursuant to which he will transition from Interim President and Chief Executive Officer to Chief Operating Officer, subject to the terms of the agreement. Pursuant to the COO Agreement, Mr. Lain will receive a base salary of $470,000 per year and will remain eligible for an annual target bonus, which will be prorated for fiscal 2026 as set forth in the COO Agreement. In addition, Mr. Lain will be eligible for a continued service bonus of $500,000 if he remains employed by the Company through March 16, 2027, which will also be paid as to a prorated amount of at least one-half if his employment is terminated without cause prior to such date. The COO Agreement is filed as Exhibit 10.2 hereto.

Appointment of Andrew Alfano to the Board

On March 13, 2026, the Board appointed Andrew Alfano to the Board, effective March 16, 2026. Mr. Alfano was also appointed to serve as a member of the Audit Committee of the Board effective May 15, 2026. Mr. Alfano will receive the Company’s standard director compensation, which is described under the heading “How Our Directors Are Paid” in the Company’s proxy statement for its 2025 annual meeting of shareholders. He will receive restricted stock units valued at $56,260 that vest on the earlier of the first anniversary of the date of grant or the Company’s next annual meeting of shareholders, representing a prorated amount of the restricted stock unit awards made to the Company’s other non-employee directors in November 2025.

A copy of the press release announcing the matters described above is attached herewith as Exhibit 99.1.

ITEM 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.

(d) Exhibits.

Exhibit

Number

    

10.1			President and CEO Offer Letter Agreement, dated February 18, 2026, between the Company and Susan Lintonsmith.
10.2			Letter Agreement for Chief Operating Officer, dated March 13, 2026, between the Company and Jim Lain.
99.1			Press Release dated March 16, 2026.
104			Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

						REGIS CORPORATION
Dated: March 16, 2026						By:			/s/ Kersten D. Zupfer
									Kersten D. Zupfer
									Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit No. 99.1

Regis Corporation Announces Executive Leadership and Board Appointments

Susan Lintonsmith named Chief Executive Officer

Jim Lain named Chief Operating Officer

Nancy Benacci named Chair of the Board

Andrew Alfano appointed as Independent Director

MINNEAPOLIS, March 16, 2026 -- Regis Corporation (NasdaqGM: RGS), a leader in the haircare industry, today announced key executive leadership and board appointments that will build on the company’s recent strategic progress, further enhance operational excellence and guide its next phase of growth.

Susan Lintonsmith, former Board Chair, has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer; Jim Lain will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer; Nancy Benacci has been named the new Chair of the Board; and Andrew Alfano has been appointed as an independent director.

Nancy Benacci, who replaces Susan Lintonsmith as the Board Chair, commented, “These leadership appointments mark an exciting new phase for Regis as we assemble an exceptional team to guide the company’s continued transformation and growth. On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to welcome Susan as our new Chief Executive Officer. After an extensive search process, we determined that Susan is the best candidate to lead Regis. The perspective she gained from serving on the Regis Board, combined with her experience working with franchisees and leading consumer brands, makes her exceptionally well suited to accelerate Regis’ momentum and deliver value to our shareholders. We also extend our gratitude to Jim Lain for his extraordinary leadership and dedication during his tenure as Interim CEO. We are excited to have Jim continue leading our operations, drawing on decades of operational experience and a deep understanding of our salon brands and franchise system.

“We are pleased to welcome Andrew Alfano to the Board. Mr. Alfano’s extensive operational experience and strong track record in brand growth and market expansion are critical assets as we continue to advance our transformation strategy. His leadership at Starbucks and The Learning Experience demonstrates an ability to drive performance, scale businesses successfully, and deliver results. We look forward to leveraging his insights and expertise at Regis.

“I am honored to assume the role of Chair and to work alongside this extraordinary leadership team. Together, we are committed to driving long-term value for our shareholders.”

Susan Lintonsmith Named Chief Executive Officer

Ms. Lintonsmith brings more than 35 years of senior leadership experience across consumer brands, health and beauty services, restaurants, and packaged goods, with deep expertise in franchised, multi-unit operating systems. A seasoned franchisor with both marketing and operations depth, she has built brands by aligning strategy with disciplined execution at the unit level. Most recently, she worked on the franchisee side for European Wax Center, where she led operational and infrastructure improvements to support expansion and improve unit-level profitability.

Lintonsmith led transformational growth for large franchise organizations, including serving as CEO and COO of Elements Massage at WellBiz Brands and CEO and President of Quiznos Subs. She previously

served as CMO at Quiznos and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and held senior leadership roles at Dean Foods/WhiteWave Foods, Western Union, The Coca-Cola Company and Pizza Hut. She holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Indiana University and a BA from the University of Notre Dame.

Susan Lintonsmith, incoming Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Stepping in as CEO at this pivotal time for Regis is a true honor. Our brands carry decades of heritage and trust, and I am energized by the opportunity to accelerate growth and unlock the full potential of the business. Having led many great consumer businesses and operated as a franchisee in the beauty services industry, I understand that transformation starts with well-positioned brands, consistently delivering a superior guest experience, attracting and retaining skilled stylists, and strengthening four-wall profitability. We will work with franchisees to move with focus and urgency to drive growth and strengthen our core business, using our company-operated salons as a learning laboratory for establishing best practices and leading innovation.

“I am excited to work with Jim Lain as COO on this transformation given his extensive industry experience and expertise in both franchising and corporate-owned systems. I have enjoyed serving on the board for over a year and am eager to leverage my years of experience as franchisor and franchisee to partner with a tremendous team to drive growth, strengthen our amazing brands, and create lasting value for all stakeholders.”

Jim Lain Named Chief Operating Officer

Mr. Lain joined Regis in 2013 and brings more than 30 years of operations leadership experience to his new role. Mr. Lain commented, “As Chief Operating Officer, I will continue to focus on driving operational performance across our brands and advancing our transformation strategy. Over the past year, we have strengthened our core operations, launched initiatives that deepen customer engagement and modernized our business model. I look forward to partnering with Susan and the leadership team to build on this momentum and create enduring value for our shareholders.”

Andrew Alfano Appointed Independent Director

Mr. Alfano, CEO for Retro Fitness, has been appointed as an independent director. A transformational executive with over 25 years of experience across consumer-facing industries including restaurants, hospitality, early education and fitness, he brings deep operational and brand growth experience.

During a 16-year career with Starbucks Coffee Company, he rose to Senior Vice President, U.S. Business, overseeing more than $3.5 billion in revenue and helping lead strategic growth in complex urban markets, including New York City. He also served on the Executive Steering Committee that helped guide the company through its 2008 turnaround. Following Starbucks, Alfano served as President and COO of The Learning Experience, where he helped drive record revenue and EBITDA growth, double annual store openings and expand the brand into the United Kingdom.

The Board of Directors of Regis Corporation now consists of five independent directors and Ms. Lintonsmith.

About Regis Corporation

Regis Corporation (NasdaqGM:RGS) is a leader in the haircare industry. As of December 31, 2025, the Company franchised or owned 3,829 locations. Regis’ franchised and corporate locations operate under concepts such as Supercuts®, SmartStyle®, Cost Cutters®, Roosters® and First Choice Haircutters®. For additional information about the Company, please visit the Investor Relations section of the corporate website at www.regiscorp.com.

CONTACT: REGIS CORPORATION:

Kersten Zupfer

investorrelations@regiscorp.com

HAYDEN IR:

James Carbonara

James@haydenir.com

(646) 755-7412

Brett Maas

brett@haydenir.com

(646) 536-7331

FAQ

What leadership changes did Regis (RGS) announce in this 8-K?

Regis announced that Susan Lintonsmith has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, Jim Lain will become Chief Operating Officer, Nancy Benacci is the new Board Chair, and Andrew Alfano has joined the Board as an independent director.

What is Regis (RGS) paying its new CEO Susan Lintonsmith?

Susan Lintonsmith will receive a $650,000 annual base salary and an annual target bonus equal to 125% of base salary. She is also granted $291,000 in time-vested restricted stock units and is eligible for $1,000,000 in annual long-term incentive awards starting fiscal 2027.

What are the key terms of Regis (RGS) COO Jim Lain’s new agreement?

Under his COO agreement, Jim Lain will receive a $470,000 annual base salary, a prorated annual target bonus for fiscal 2026, and a $500,000 continued service bonus if employed through March 16, 2027, with partial payment possible if terminated without cause earlier.

Who is new Regis (RGS) independent director Andrew Alfano and what is his compensation?

Andrew Alfano, CEO of Retro Fitness and former Starbucks senior executive, joined the Regis Board and Audit Committee. He will receive standard director compensation, including restricted stock units valued at $56,260 that vest on the earlier of one year from grant or the next annual shareholder meeting.

How much experience does new Regis (RGS) CEO Susan Lintonsmith bring?

Susan Lintonsmith brings over 35 years of senior leadership experience across consumer brands, health and beauty services, restaurants, and packaged goods, with deep franchising expertise from roles at Elements Massage, Quiznos, Red Robin, Dean Foods/WhiteWave, Western Union, The Coca-Cola Company, and Pizza Hut.

How large is Regis (RGS) based on salon locations?

As of December 31, 2025, Regis Corporation franchised or owned 3,829 locations across brands including Supercuts, SmartStyle, Cost Cutters, Roosters and First Choice Haircutters, illustrating its scale in the haircare and salon industry.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

4 documents

Press Releases

• EX-99.1 EX-99.1 17.4 KB

Other Documents

• EX-101 XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION SCHEMA DOCUMENT 1.8 KB
• EX-101 XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION LABEL LINKBASE DOCUMENT 21.4 KB
• EX-101 XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT 12.3 KB